The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is continuing to recommend fluoride to prevent dental caries, according to a new report in Pediatrics (August 25, 2014).
Fluoridated toothpaste is recommended for all children starting at tooth eruption, regardless of caries risk, according to the report, "Fluoride Use in Caries Prevention in the Primary Care Setting."
The recommendations also include the following:
- A smear (the size of a grain of rice) of toothpaste should be used up to age 3. After age 3, a pea-sized amount may be used. Parents should dispense toothpaste for young children and also supervise and assist with brushing.
- Fluoride varnish is recommended in the primary care setting every three to six months starting at tooth emergence.
- Over-the counter fluoride rinse is not recommended for children younger than 6 years because of the risk of swallowing higher than recommended levels of fluoride.
Because fluoride is available in many sources, including food and tap water, and may be administered at home and professionally applied, pediatricians should be aware of the risks and benefits of various fluoride modalities to appropriately advise families to achieve maximum protection against dental caries, and to help counsel patients about proper oral health, according to the report.
